Hi – I’m Katherine Brewer and joined SCIS in 2014 as the Head of School for Hongqiao. I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee in the USA, but have spent over half of my educational career overseas, working in the Dominican Republic and Ethiopia before moving to China. In a former life I worked as a flight attendant and that is when I fell in love with Shanghai. I began a career in education because I wanted to make a difference in the world. I believe that the power of an idea can change the world, and I wanted to create space for the next generation to dream big while also instilling in them a sense of purpose and responsibility to take care of their global communities. The longer I served in education, the larger the space I wanted to create, which is why I became a school leader. I am thrilled to be a part of the SCIS community and doubly thrilled that my own two little Dragons, Austin and Gavin, get the benefits of this amazing international education.

Mathias O’Brien

Winona State University/University of Minnesota

Athletics Coordinator

Hongqiao Campus

I was born and raised in Winona Minnesota, which is nestled along side of the Mississippi River about 100 miles south of Minneapolis. I attended Cotter High School, which is also where I started my teaching career in 2002 after graduating from Winona State University. Athletics have always been important to me. I competed in football, basketball and baseball in high school and went on to play baseball and football in college. My enjoyment of physical activities helped guide may path into teaching Physical / Health Education and also coaching.
My passion for youth sports led me to pursue a graduate degree with a focus on youth sports, which I completed from the University of Minnesota in January of 2014. My main goal as a Physical / Health Educator is to help guide students to take ownership for their own health and well-being (physical, mental, emotional). It’s very rewarding as a teacher when I see this happen. Another goal of mine is that students would be devoted to a lifetime of physical activity.
This year I will be serving as the Athletics Coordinator and Upper School Physical / Health teacher. When I am not at school working with students I enjoy working out, playing golf, spending time with my family, reading and listening to podcasts. I am excited to continue teaching, coaching, learning and growing here at SCIS. I am here with my wife, Kristie O’Brien, and two children Alana (9th grade) and Moses (2nd grade). We have enjoyed learning and exploring Shanghai together and we look forward to a great school year!

Cheryl Philp

Aberdeen College

Aquatics Coordinator

Hongqiao Campus

I am delighted to be a part of this great caring and nurturing school. I am thoroughly looking forward to push forward with all aspects of the swimming program for all ages and stages.
This is my 16th year within swimming teaching and coaching, within these years I have been fortunate enough to have worked in Scotland (my home country), America and China.
As a swimming coach my primary focus is providing a fluid swimming program that has the focus of the swimmers long term plan as an athlete, at the heart of program.
Within the Swim Team we strive to ensure that through participation in the swimming team that we can aid development within the following attributes: time management skills, dedication, perseverance and being able to set realistic and achievable goals.
I hope that we can prove to our students that with a combination of these attributes paired with a positive & open mind-set that these lessons that we can learn through sport can help us live a life without limitations, now and in the future.
Within my down time I enjoy living life to the full and taking every opportunity to interact with nature and people who provide me with positive energy. A day spend outside being active with people I love is my idea of the perfect day. I also believe in laughter (usually loudly) and keeping your mind open and bright as good ways to live well.
I look forward to getting to know each and every one of the families here at SCIS.

Dan Zimmerman

Suny Buffalo

Librarian

Hongqiao Campus

Hi, My name is Dan Zimmerman and this will be my 12th year with the SCIS schools. I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, but I have spend almost all of my life in the greater China area in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, and now Shanghai. I have a bachelors degree in International Relation from Middle Tennessee State University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from University of Hong Kong, and a Masters Degree from SUNY Buffalo. In my time at SCIS I have taught beginners Mandarin, Preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 5, and now find myself with the great fortune of being the Campus Librarian. I live here with my wife, Hellen and our daughter, Anastasia, who loves being an SCIS Dragon just as much as I do!